How to Introduce Broccoli to Toddlers

Broccoli is a nutritious veggie most parents want their
toddler to eat (it is loaded with vitamins and protein
too!). But it’s also a vegetable parents usually don’t model eating. This makes
it difficult for a child to imitate good broccoli munching behaviors; they
don’t have a visual on how it’s done! Eventually they become wary of green
foods, which can lead to picking eating. Here
are a few tips on how to successfully prepare, introduce and enjoy the many
textures of broccoli with your toddler.

Prepare the texture: A
successful meal with a toddler starts with the way we prepare vegetables. Broccoli
is one of those veggies that you want to wait to wash until you are ready to
cook it. When you do wash the broccoli, make sure to rinse it in cold (not
warm) water. Take off the leaves and remove any brown spots. These preparation
tips will offer the best texture for your toddler.

Present a crisp
texture: Lightly steaming your broccoli will preserve the most
nutrients (Vitamins C, K, A and Fiber) giving your toddler an excellent
immunity boost. Steaming also keeps the broccoli warm and crisp – a temperature
and texture toddlers love. Provide a few bites with different seasonings and
sauces for your child to try. Salt, butter, garlic, ranch dressing and melted
cheese are excellent starting points!

Present a tender
texture: Blanching will preserve the color and texture of the veggie.
Cook the broccoli until it is slightly tender, usually for 1-2 minutes. Place
it in ice water for another 1-2 minutes to create a tender and cool texture.
This is a perfect treat for a teething toddler!

Present a crunchy
texture: Eating broccoli raw is a great way to show the diversity of
this green machine to your toddler! Raw textures can be served at room temperature
and are perfect for kiddos who have difficulties with the sensory aspects of
cold, warm or hot food. Since broccoli can be a tad bitter to some children,
having a dip to dunk it in is not only tasty but also fun! Some of my favorite
dips for toddlers are cream cheese dip,
nacho dip, hummus or French onion dip.

Present a liquid
texture: Broccoli is a perfect veggie for making warm soups, room
temperature juices or cold smoothies.
Just place it in a blender or food processor with cream, salt and butter for an
easy and delicious broccoli soup. For a yummy green juice, blend one sweet
fruit, a lemon and the broccoli in a juicer. You can also freeze the juice to
make it into popsicles. A refreshing smoothie of broccoli, pineapple, and
frozen melons are sure to be a hit!

You can use any texture of broccoli to make goofy food art
on the Happy Mat as eyes,
ears, hair or a mustache! How do you introduce broccoli as food art to your
toddler? Show us by using the hashtags #ezpzfun or #myezpzmat

Photo Credit: Paul Joyner Photo

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Dawn Winkelmann, M.S, CCC-SLP

Speech Language Pathologist & Feeding Specialist for ezpz

Dawn Winkelmann, a.k.a “Ms. Dawn”, has treated thousands of kids across the globe by helping families overcome picky eating stages and food refusals, while adding new foods into their diet. Her high success rate is attributed to Ms. Dawn bringing her education, experience, sense of humor and her favorite feeding products to the family dinner table.

You will find Ms. Dawn’s expert feeding advice to be positive and fun for the entire family! She adapts complicated feeding/swallowing research and makes it practical and easy for parents! Get ready to learn the science behind your favorite feeding products and ways to bring happy family mealtimes back!